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Dr. Yousef Francis Matta Eklimis, a member of the National Assembly of Unified Christians List, has spoke out against the discrimination and injustice that Christians in Iraq are suffering.

"Iraqi Christians have suffered much injustice and marginalization. Even their rights are being ignored in the new constitution," Eklimis told Mideast Christian News.

"We aim to get our rights by initiating article 125 of the constitution, which is based on self-management of Christian areas," Eklimis explained.

Eklimis stated that his list seeks unity, maintenance of privacy and providing of services.

"We will seek to unite Christians in Iraq," he noted, "By maintaining communication with concerned authorities to complete the establishment of the University of Hamdania, as well as educating people on peaceful coexistence, particularly in Christian areas, while maintaining the privacy of these areas and halting any attempts to change the demographics of them. In addition to this, various projects for the development of Christian areas in Iraq, generally, and in Nineveh in particular will be carried out."

He also note the need for reducing the migration of Christians out of the country.

"We will seek to reduce the exodus of Christians from Iraq, as they are indigenous to this country. We will also work on the return of families displaced from Iraq, through the provision of full legitimate rights, according to the Iraqi Constitution."

Eklimis did note that Christians in the northern region of the country in particular are facing that harshest situation.

"Their situation is bad, and there are many bodies that seek to displace Christians from the city, which is outrageous and will not be accepted. We will work on providing security for Christians in Mosul and will stand up against all criminal actions towards Christians, because the innocent blood that has been shed will not be bargained over, which is why it is important to reveal who is behind these criminal acts."

Dr. Yousef Francif Matta is an administrative assistant to the president of the University of Hamdania, holds a doctorate in Earth Sciences and is a member of the Iraqi minorities council.